Dominant Reds win at a canter

Battered, bruised and elated, Reds left the New Manor Ground purring with satisfaction after their most convincing away performance of the season...

... wrecking Kevin Wilson’s birthday celebrations in the process!

They completed an emphatic league double with a comprehensive display, yet still don’t know their fate in the play-off/title scenario. At the very least, they will have a home tie in the semi-final of the former with matters becoming a little clearer in the final week of a gripping season.

For a top four encounter, this was a one-sided affair with Reds dominating from start to finish on a beautifully manicured, but firm pitch. There were top performances all over the field, all wearing the white of Workington’s change outfit.

Yet the breakthrough goal after thirty three minutes was probably the result of a fortunate decision. Kane Richards was harshly flagged for offside and Reds’ opener came via the free-kick which followed.

Kyle May’s sent the ball up field, Matty Tymon guided the ball into Scott Allison’s path and Brough’s best known resident finished with a sweetly struck, low finish.

There had been a few half chances prior to that with Gavin Skelton and Tymon both unable to provide a finish matching that of Allison’s.

Ilkeston hardly threatened at the other end with their best chance falling to Joe Burgess whose header missed the target via James Reid’s free-kick.

Reds began positively on the restart, and Jordan Smith must have sensed a busy forty five minutes when he palmed away Jake Simpson’s teasing cross.

May, outstanding at the back, almost doubled the lead when he met Simpson’s corner with a thumping header only to see Reid clear the ball off the line.

But from a similar situation, Reds did get that all important second. This time, it was Tymon who connected with another quality Simpson corner. His goal-bound effort was blocked but Alex Salmon capped a good afternoon’s work by smashing the rebound into the net in the sixty-fifth minute.

The hosts had their best opportunity soon after when Rai Simons’ pace saw him break through on goal, only to be thwarted by Jonny Jamieson and his only significant save of the match.

Conor Tinnion and Anthony Wright combined superbly on the left, but Tymon was left cursing his luck when his header thumped against the upright via another accurate delivery.

Wright did get his name on the score sheet after seventy seven minutes guiding the ball into the net for his first of the season, via his midriff, with Allison supplying the assist.

Gareth Arnison was unlucky not to score an exquisite fourth with a sublime curling shot which hit the post before the ball was scrambled to safety.

On a day when the travelling support turned up dressed in jockey silks, Reds cantered to a very impressive twelfth away win of a memorable campaign.

The title is out of their hands, despite topping the current form table.